In 2024, Bateman pleaded guilty to a years-long scheme involving the transportation of minors for sexual exploitation, as well as conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Under the plea agreement, he admitted to one count of conspiracy to transport a minor for sexual activity — which carries a sentence of 10 years to life — and one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, also punishable by up to life imprisonment. Additional charges were dismissed as part of the agreement.
He was ultimately sentenced to 50 years on each count, to be served concurrently, effectively a life sentence.
During sentencing, US District Judge Susan Brnovich made the gravity of his crimes clear.
“You should not have the opportunity to be free and never have the opportunity to be around young women,” Brnovich told Bateman. “You took them from their homes, from their families and made them into sex slaves. You stripped them of their innocence and childhood.”
Where is Samuel Bateman now?
Bateman is currently serving what is effectively a life sentence in prison and is unlikely to be released.
Seven of his adult “wives” have also been convicted of offences related to coercing children into sexual activity or obstructing the investigation into his crimes. Some admitted to pressuring girls to become Bateman’s so-called “spiritual wives,” while others witnessed the abuse or were involved in efforts to remove children from foster care.
In the documentary, Moretta and Nomz were specifically mentioned as being incarcerated for their role in the kidnapping.
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Bateman’s underage victims were placed into foster care. Several attended his sentencing, where they were seen embracing and crying — visibly relieved at the outcome — though they did not make public statements.
Trust Me: The False Prophet is streaming on Netflix.
For more information about reporting and recovering from rape and sexual abuse, you can contact Rape Crisis on 0808 500 2222.
If you have been sexually assaulted, you can find your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre here. You can also find support at your local GP, voluntary organisations such as Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, and Victim Support, and you can report it to the police (if you choose) here.